"You know, you can entrust your children to us, if that's the case," King Titus said to Cyan after hearing Cyan's plan.
"We can't afford to bother the royal family that much. The other nobles might get angry if we continue to receive special treatment," Cyan answered.
"But, Cyan, Ophelia... Wouldn't it be risky?" Shaula asked.
"Queen Shaula... Yes, it would still be risky. But it's better than letting them get what they want. And we can't afford to cause any more troubles in the noble society for getting special treatments from the royal family," Cassie answered.
"Besides, you would be visiting your parents in the royal villa this holiday, right?" Cyan asked the king.
"Yes, but still, when we return, we can take care of your children. Furthermore, we can keep it a secret from the others."
"There is no need to rush, you can take your time there. The previous king and queen would be sad if their grandchildren only visited them for a short time. Besides, it would be troublesome if the news of our continued special treatment is being spread to the others, so let's not take that long-term risk."
The two men kept debating.
Cassie then heaved a long sigh and decided to cut them off.
"Besides, it's a good chance for the children to take a look at the other places far away from here. I think Lyra really needs that experience."
"Ah, so you also had that in mind?" Shaula asked.
"Yes. I don't know what caused her to have that extreme insecurity... since the East Area of Riviera is the border of Riviera to Naraka, the Oni country, most people are not bothered by [Dark] magic at all... though some may still be prejudiced."
"That is true. Bad prejudices against [Dark] magic is more severe in West Area that borders Riviera to Cielle, the elven kingdom. I know, since I originated from there," Shaula made a wry smile.
"And that is why we devised this plan."
"I see... But still, please be careful," Shaula finally gave in. King Titus sighed.
Both Cyan and Cassie are so hard to persuade once they have made up their minds. However, they know that the two of them won't be so careless.
"Cyan, make sure to check the Habbah city's port while you're at it. Who knows we might be able to gain some information regarding the activities there."
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty~," Cyan replied in an obvious tone.
It has been years since he's worked as a spy, so he would know what to do without being told.
"Oi, oi, you really have a good manner in front of the king, you know?" Titus teased Cyan a little.
"Of course! I have always displayed my best manner in front of the king, way even when he was still a mere crown prince!"
"And that is what I like about you, haha!" Titus grinned.
"...your taste is so weird, Titus," Shaula inserted her comment. One that she's going to regret.
"Oh? But you are included in that weird taste of mine, then!" Titus used his wife's comment back.
True, they are not in an arranged marriage.
"...," Shaula went silent. She regretted her words, and she can't say anything back after that remark.
***Lyra's P.O.V***
Before long, the New Year holiday finally came. Chloe and Vince are gone to visit their families, while Niina (+Clavis)'s visit has become less and less... until she is fully taking the days off, too! And that is how the Hartmann family will be helping one another to do household chores!
Because we will be going to our family vacation not long after the said holiday, Vince, Chloe, and Niina all get their days off extended.
A few days before our time to depart, Mom brought Fenix over.
"Fenix, it's weird seeing you here."
I said while looking at her, with the background of a normal room. The great background of Royal Magic's Treasury Room looks all majestic, which suits her so much.
"...I will just take that as a compliment."
And then, both my parents let me and Alt-nii sit down in the meeting room for a briefing on how the plan is going to go on.
"As I will be off to do some spying work, I can't go as Valkyane—the head of the Hartmann family. I will disguise as a traveling merchant, along with my fellow spies."
"As I am summoned as a representative of the Royal Magic Court, I will be going with Meredea as I am."
"Huhhhh?"
This is no ordinary family vacation, of course!
"We have booked rooms and arranged them to be next to one another. We have set it all up, so let's say we are acquainted there and then would walk around the city together if we have the time to."
"Question! So, that means we will also be disguising?" Alt-nii raised his hand and asked.
"Correct. The spies plus you children will be putting disguises as a traveling merchant family. We will come up with the names and appearance after we have gathered."
Which means, it's like a practical exam for the Hartmann's secret arts we've been training all this time!
The thought kinda excites me.
Well, I can also sense a little fear, but the excitement is more apparent.
"Also, the other spies only knew that we are adept in illusion magic, so please just use that," Dad added.
...fwe?
What do you mean??
"Alright, Dad, it's easier to do illusion magic, anyway!" Alt-nii responded.
"As I have warned you—better try to keep that part about transformation a secret, okay? Only do it in urgent cases such as if you are being targetted by someone with illusion magic detection."
"Okay, fingers crossed, it's a secret!" Alt-nii crossed his fingers in front of his lips.
"Eh, Dad, I don't understand--," I protested.
"Ah, Lyra... that's right. I also had Altaire practice illusion magic and only told him more details of our o—secret arts when he was around 5," Dad explained.
"So, I've been doing illusion magic? Then, what about transformation magic?" I urged him to explain.
"Okay, okay, then I'll let you try it, to experience the difference between the two."
And it has become a sudden training session.